Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Symptoms and Similar Diseases
What is chronic fatigue syndrome, and how do you treat it? What causes chronic fatigue syndrome? What, if anything, can I do to prevent chronic fatigue syndrome? Given the recent surge in chronic fatigue syndrome diagnoses, these are all important questions to ask.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as CFS, is a disorder that causes feelings of extreme exhaustion for no apparent reason.
This fatigue is aggravated by mental and physical activity, and cannot be remedied by sleeping or resting.
CFS is prevalent amongst women in their 40's and 50's, and affects four adults out of every thousand.
The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are similar to that of the flu.
One of the major symptoms is pain, which can often occur in the throat, muscles, lymph nodes, joints and head.
Other symptoms include loss of memory and concentration, as well as having trouble sleeping.
The most debilitating symptom of CFS is lack of energy, which often leads to depression and lack of motivation.
Sufferers of CFS report feeling drained most of the time, and unable to take part in activities they previously enjoyed.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can be distinguished from a viral infection in that CFS symptoms usually last much longer.
For some people, CFS can last years, with symptoms coming and going for no apparent reason.
A person cannot be diagnosed with CFS until he or she has suffered from chronic fatigue not caused by any other condition for at least six months.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, there are a number of signs of chronic fatigue syndrome not included in the official definition.
They can be helpful in recognizing CFS if one is unsure about his or her condition.
These signs of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
While all of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses, there are a number of suspected causes of CFS that make a person more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
These include anemia, depression, allergies, hypoglycemia, weakened immune system, viral infections, low blood pressure and hormone changes.
Often, CFS can occur as an immune system response to another illness or infection, and never completely go away.
There is no laboratory test for chronic fatigue syndrome, and no definitive way to cure it.
Your doctor will diagnose you with CFS if you have been suffering from at least 4 of the primary symptoms for over 6 months, and do not appear to have any other medical illness.
He or she will then attempt to control the specific symptoms you are suffering from, and design a customized treatment plan to minimize the effects of the syndrome.
Treatment protocols for chronic fatigue syndrome often include slow and steady exercise, which was shown to improve the symptoms of 70% of CFS sufferers in one study.
Your doctor may also recommend therapy or counseling, anti-depressants, and medications to control your blood pressure and pain.
More holistic approaches to CFS treatment include a variety of experimental techniques aimed at reducing stress and anxiety.
These techniques include acupuncture, meditation, and diets rich in vitamins and minerals.
If you suspect you may have CFS, it is always a good idea to see a doctor.
No one should ever have to suffer from constant feelings of pain and fatigue, so a physician can either find a way to treat your CFS, or determine what other medical condition you are suffering from.
Take care of yourself and try to get the sleep, exercise, and nutrients that your body needs on a daily basis.
Now that there is more awareness about chronic fatigue syndrome, you are more likely to receive the help you need.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as CFS, is a disorder that causes feelings of extreme exhaustion for no apparent reason.
This fatigue is aggravated by mental and physical activity, and cannot be remedied by sleeping or resting.
CFS is prevalent amongst women in their 40's and 50's, and affects four adults out of every thousand.
The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are similar to that of the flu.
One of the major symptoms is pain, which can often occur in the throat, muscles, lymph nodes, joints and head.
Other symptoms include loss of memory and concentration, as well as having trouble sleeping.
The most debilitating symptom of CFS is lack of energy, which often leads to depression and lack of motivation.
Sufferers of CFS report feeling drained most of the time, and unable to take part in activities they previously enjoyed.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can be distinguished from a viral infection in that CFS symptoms usually last much longer.
For some people, CFS can last years, with symptoms coming and going for no apparent reason.
A person cannot be diagnosed with CFS until he or she has suffered from chronic fatigue not caused by any other condition for at least six months.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, there are a number of signs of chronic fatigue syndrome not included in the official definition.
They can be helpful in recognizing CFS if one is unsure about his or her condition.
These signs of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
- Pain in the abdomen, chest, eyes, ears or jaw
- Allergies or sensitivities to previously tolerated objects
- Bloating, nausea, and diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Tingling sensations
- Chronic cough and dry mouth
- Feelings of dizziness
- Weight loss or gain
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle stiffness
- Chills and night sweats
- Psychological disorders including depression, irritability, and anxiety
- Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, dry eyes
While all of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses, there are a number of suspected causes of CFS that make a person more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
These include anemia, depression, allergies, hypoglycemia, weakened immune system, viral infections, low blood pressure and hormone changes.
Often, CFS can occur as an immune system response to another illness or infection, and never completely go away.
There is no laboratory test for chronic fatigue syndrome, and no definitive way to cure it.
Your doctor will diagnose you with CFS if you have been suffering from at least 4 of the primary symptoms for over 6 months, and do not appear to have any other medical illness.
He or she will then attempt to control the specific symptoms you are suffering from, and design a customized treatment plan to minimize the effects of the syndrome.
Treatment protocols for chronic fatigue syndrome often include slow and steady exercise, which was shown to improve the symptoms of 70% of CFS sufferers in one study.
Your doctor may also recommend therapy or counseling, anti-depressants, and medications to control your blood pressure and pain.
More holistic approaches to CFS treatment include a variety of experimental techniques aimed at reducing stress and anxiety.
These techniques include acupuncture, meditation, and diets rich in vitamins and minerals.
If you suspect you may have CFS, it is always a good idea to see a doctor.
No one should ever have to suffer from constant feelings of pain and fatigue, so a physician can either find a way to treat your CFS, or determine what other medical condition you are suffering from.
Take care of yourself and try to get the sleep, exercise, and nutrients that your body needs on a daily basis.
Now that there is more awareness about chronic fatigue syndrome, you are more likely to receive the help you need.
